Originally Posted by deltav

The idea with Karelians is that they can be fearless and aggressive even towards large animals - so that many bears will be held at bay not wanting to tangle with this crazy dog barking & and acting like a maniac. If the bear is a mean bear and wants to do some damage, then yup, he won't have a problem with the dog. But most of them time they'll back off. Supposedly.

I knew a guy who got one once, but he didn't socialize or control it properly, I think they had to find it another home. They are truly working dogs who need a "job" to do.